AB1525-HPR EXAMINATION OF PHYSICAL FITNESS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: S. Bozcuk, B. Basakci Calik, E. Gur Kabul, Z. Ekici Tekin, S. Yuksel
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2022)

Background Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease of childhood. Although its etiology is not known exactly; Immunological susceptibility and environmental factors (infections, stress, trauma) are emphasized (1). These children have low activity levels since a young age, and significant problems are observed in the realization of daily living activities (2). Objectives This study aims to compare the physical fitness of children/adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and their healthy peers. Methods Seventy children/adolescents (mean age: 13.40±2.31 years 35 JIA; mean age: 12.94±2.31 years 35 healthy) were included in the study. After recording demographic data, the functionality levels of the children/adolescents with JIA were evaluated by CHAQ (Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire), all lower extremity muscle strengths were evaluated by the manual muscle test device, and the physical fitness levels were evaluated by the Brockport physical fitness test battery which is grip strength, push-up test, curl-up test, trunk lift test, shoulder stretch, back saver sit-reach test, calf, triceps, subscapular skinfold thickness and PACER 20 meter test. While the disease activities of children/adolescents with JIA were evaluated with JADAS-27 (Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score); quality of life were evaluated with the PedsQL 3.0 Arthritis Module (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory). Results As a result of the comparative analysis; In terms of functionality which is CHAQ dressing (p=0.008), eating (p=0.011), reaching (p=0.001), rising (p=0.001), walking (p=0.001), holding (p=0.016), hygiene (p=0.011), activity (p=0.00), total score (p=0.00), pain (p=0.00), general well-being (p=0.00) in terms of all sub-parameters, there was found to be significant in favor of healthy children/adolescents (p&lt;0,05). In terms of physical fitness which is grip strength (p=0,041), PACER 20 meter test (p=0,00), trunk lift test (p=0.018) and curl-up (p=0.00) tests, there was a significant difference in favor of the healthy group (p&lt;0,05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of other physical fitness tests (p&gt;0.05). When all lower extremity muscle strengths were compared, only right hip external rotation (p=0.023) showed a difference in muscle strength. There was no correlation between JADAS-27 score and physical fitness scores (p&gt;0.05) of children/adolescents with JIA, except for the push-up test (p=0.01). In terms of JADAS-27 score and some PedsQL child form which is pain, total score and activities of daily living of children/adolescents with JIA; there was a significant relationship. In terms of JADAS-27 score and some PedsQL parent form which is pain and total score of children/adolescents with JIA; there was a significant relationship. However there was no relationship in terms of the other parameters (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion According to the results of our study, it was observed that the functionality and physical fitness levels of children/adolescents with JIA were lower than their healthy peers, and physical fitness was not affected by disease activity. However, it has been observed that the disease ability of children/adolescents with JIA affects the quality of life of both themselves and their families. For all these reasons, it is very important to encourage children/adolescents with JIA in terms of participation in physical activity and exercise, with informative training aimed at improving their physical fitness. References [1]Fink CW. Proposal for the development of classification criteria for idiopatic arthritides of childhood . J Rheumatol 1995; 22: 1566-69. [2]Bohr, A.H.; Nielsen, S.; Muller, K.; Karup Pedersen, F.; Andersen, L.B. Reduced physical activity in children and adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis despite satisfactory control of inflammation. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2015, 13, 57. Disclosure of Interests None declared